Instant costs and delayed benefits are problem for Trump tariff goals

Published April 26, 2025 6:00am ET



A major challenge facing President Donald Trump’s trade agenda is that the costs come first and any benefits, which are hotly debated by economists, will come later.

Voters, who are already tired of several years of inflation, may not want to endure the tariffs long enough for any shift in the balance of trade to occur, even if they may in theory like the idea of American reindustrialization or getting tough with China. Most polls on tariffs don’t show much patience or support from the public.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.